PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2B

Indications & Dose:

For treatment of both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients with compensated liver disease and evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation. Indicated alone or in combination with ribavirin, for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients with compensated liver disease.

• BY INJECTION

0.5mcg or 1 mg/kg sc in one weekly for 6 months continue for additional 6 months in patients showing

Loss of HCV, RNA at 6 Months.

Children: Not recommended.

ADMINISTRATION: SC: Administer in the abdomen or thigh. Rotate injection site

Contraindications:

Autoimmune hepatitis, severe hepatic dysfunction or decornpensated

cirrhosis, history of severe cardiac disease or psychiatric disorder. Pregnancy, lactation.

PREGNANCY: X (Contraindicated in pregnancy), 

Side Effects:

Cautions:

Precautions:

Should only be used by physicians experienced in treatment of hepatitis C. Perform full blood, biochemical and thyroid tests before and during therapy. Suicidal tendencies; ask patients to report any signs of depression. Perform EGG if preexisting cardiac disease. Moderate renal or hepatic impairment; monitor function, reduce dose or withdraw if deteriorate. Examine eyes if loss of vision. Autoimmune disease. Psoriasis. 

Interaction:

Immunosuppressants, myelosuppres-sants, theophylline

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Fatigue, pyrexia, rigors, Gl upset, anorexia, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, insomnia, depression, skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, anaemia. 

Lactations:

,  v (Contraindicated or not recommended). 

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: